The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has officially called on the Abia State Government to scrap the traditional “Governor’s Media Chat,” labelling the current format as insufficient for true democratic scrutiny.
In a statement released Friday, March 27, 2026, seen by Securitynewsalert.com, the civil society group argued that the state needs to transition toward a Transparency and Accountability Briefing Framework, a more rigorous system designed to provide verifiable data rather than polished public relations.
According to FENRAD, the long-standing media chat has become a relic that limits deep engagement. The organisation noted that while the chats facilitate communication, they often lack the “citizen-centred” depth required to track actual government performance.
“In its current format, the media chat often limits meaningful engagement, restricts data-driven scrutiny, and does not sufficiently reflect the voices and concerns of ordinary citizens,” the group stated.
The Executive Director of FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, emphasised that the state must move beyond mere information dissemination.
“Transparency is not merely about information dissemination but about accessible, timely, and participatory governance,” Nwafor said. “A structured accountability briefing will enable citizens to better understand how public resources are allocated and utilised.”
The advocacy group is pushing for a quarterly system that would mandate the government to present a measurable scorecard. This new model seeks to move beyond journalists to include women’s groups, youth stakeholders, and persons with disabilities.
Furthermore, FENRAD is demanding the presentation of verifiable budget performance reports and project implementation updates, alongside the publication of project tracking dashboards before any public meeting takes place. To ensure no one is left behind, the group suggests utilising digital platforms so that rural and underserved communities can participate in the dialogue.
FENRAD believes that by adopting these global best practices of open governance, Abia State could position itself as a subnational leader in Nigeria. The group argued that a more formal framework would bridge the gap between the government and the governed, ultimately reducing the risk of mismanagement and opacity.
“Replacing the Governor’s Media Chat with a more structured accountability framework is not only timely but necessary to bridge the gap between governance and the people,” the statement concluded.
The organisation reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the state government to ensure that development in Abia remains inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. #Securitynewsalert.com
